“I like where you’re going with this,” said Florence. “Do you two want to run with that idea and come up with a prototype?”

“It’s going to take several steps,” Lani said. “But yes, of course. I think we’re onto something.”

“Great,” said Florence. “Off you go.” Samheed and Lani got up and went inside to get supplies and start planning out how the spell would work.

“Now,” said Florence, turning to Aaron and Thatcher and the three young mages, “what about fighting the Revinir? Have you come up with anything?”

“I’ve been thinking about it, but haven’t really gotten anywhere,” Thisbe admitted. “I’ve mostly been focusing on learning existing spells so I can, you know . . .” She flushed. “Actually earn my component vest. Which . . . I’m still . . . waiting . . . for.”

Florence looked at Thisbe, as if seeing her clearly for the first time in a while. “Why haven’t I given you yours yet?” she wondered aloud.

“I don’t know,” said Thisbe. “I assumed I still wasn’t trustworthy. I mean . . . I’ve terrorized the people of Artimé my whole life. I get why you wouldn’t want me handling components. Especially with Frieda Stubbs and her gang spouting off about how terrible Aaron and Fifer and I are.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Aaron said, clipping his words. “If she or any of her friends come near you, find me immediately.”

Thisbe saw the anger in his face. She wanted to ask him what Frieda had meant about their mother, but now didn’t seem to be a good time for such a private discussion. Instead she nodded. “I will.”

“Oh, my dear Thisbe,” said Florence. “I’m sorry you’ve had this burden on your shoulders—you don’t deserve it. I think it’s time to show everyone that I trust you. And I’m in charge of the vests.” She stood up. “Come with me. Clementi, Ibrahim, keep brainstorming new spells with Thatcher and Aaron to combat the Revinir’s power. We’ll be back in a bit.”

Thisbe jumped to her feet and followed, jogging to keep up with Florence’s long strides. They entered the mansion, then climbed the stairs and went down the mostly secret hallway, which both of them were able to see, unlike many mages. Florence’s pace slowed as they went past two unmarked doors, behind which were rooms nobody’d been inside before—at least nobody alive today.

“Are you okay with going into Alex’s apartment?” Florence asked gently. “That’s where I put your vest after I gave Fifer hers. I . . . I figured Alex would want to be the one to give it to you after he . . . after he brought you home.”